CNC machining is enjoying its fastest ever rise in use and popularity in order to meet modern manufacturing needs. Manufacturing Global finds out how the world of motorsport is contributing to this trend.

With the internet of things leading the indomitable march of Industry 4.0, it's no surprise that CNC (computer numerical control) machining is dominating the lathing, milling and grinding sectors of metalwork.

According to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc., the global CNC machines market is expected to reach $100.9bn by 2025, rising at a CAGR of 6.8% over the forecast period. The increase has been dictated by a growing need for reduced operating costs, increased efficiency and a dramatically slimmer likelihood of component errors.

More advanced lathing, milling, grinding, welding and laser machines are being implemented in metalworking facilities all over the world as technology continues to demand it. The integration of CNC machinery with CAM (computer-aided manufacturing) helps reduce manufacturing time as well as ensuring the production of flawless components, leading commercial businesses and large manufacturers alike to need more and more advanced versions of CNC hardware and software. Industrial CNC machines alone are anticipated to dominate the market until 2025 and reach a value of $25.17bn.

The popularity of CNC is, in fact, nothing new – it was introduced in the 1980s and has been drastically increasing productivity while lowering machining times ever since. The difficulties inherent in hand-milling or lathing a component and attempting to repeat the same piece over and over again swiftly – and thankfully – became a thing of the past when one could simply send a design to a machine across a computer network.